New Delhi — Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has sparked widespread outrage after women journalists were barred from attending his press conference at the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi.
According to multiple reports, female reporters who arrived to cover the event were denied entry despite following all dress and security protocols. The decision was widely condemned as discriminatory and regressive.
One journalist posted on social media, stating that “all women reporters had respected the dress code” and were still not allowed to participate.
The press meet took place during Amir Khan Muttaqi visit to India, where he met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss regional security and diplomatic ties.
Addressing the media, Muttaqi said, “Not a single one of them is in Afghanistan. Not an inch of land is controlled by them in the country,” when asked about the presence of militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
“We want good and respectful relations with India based on mutual respect, trade, and people-to-people relations.” he added
Also Read | Pulkit Chaudhary Indian YouTuber converted to Islam in Afghanistan
The exclusion of women journalists, however, overshadowed the press conference, drawing sharp criticism from activists and media organizations who said the move reflected the Taliban-led government’s continuing restrictions on women’s participation in public life.
The incident has reignited concerns over press freedom and women’s rights in Afghanistan, with many calling on New Delhi to take note of the discriminatory practice.
